Basic etiquette of Japanese tea ceremony including bowing, tea preparation, and drinking manners.
Overview
Tea Ceremony Etiquette
Tea ceremony etiquette is not merely a formality, but an important expression of respect for others and the spirit of 'wa-kei-sei-jaku' (harmony, respect, purity, tranquility). Each movement, including the three types of bows (shin, gyo, so), tea preparation, drinking manners, way of receiving sweets, and walking style, embodies the host's desire to entertain guests. While there are subtle differences between schools and tea rooms, the basic movements are common.
tea ceremony
etiquette
bowing
temae
Japanese culture
wa-kei-sei-jaku
Urasenke
Omotesenke
| code | slug | name | description | category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | shin-bow | Shin Bow (Formal Bow) | The most formal bow expressing the highest level of respect. | Three Types of Bows |
| 02 | gyo-bow | Gyo Bow (Semi-formal Bow) | A semi-formal bow for greeting guests and expressing light gratitude. | Three Types of Bows |
| 03 | so-bow | So Bow (Informal Bow) | An informal bow used for casual conversation and light acknowledgments. | Three Types of Bows |
| 04 | tea-preparation | Tea Preparation (Temae) | Basic procedures and movements for preparing matcha tea. | Temae |
| 05 | tea-drinking | Tea Drinking Manners | Movements and manners for receiving and drinking tea. | Movements |
| 06 | sweet-receiving | Receiving Sweets | Movements and manners for receiving and eating sweets. | Movements |
| 07 | walking-style | Sliding Walk (Suri-ashi) | The manner of walking in the tea room. | Movements |
| 08 | standing-up | Standing Up | The movement of rising from seiza (formal sitting). | Movements |
| 09 | preparation | Preparation | Necessary items and grooming for tea ceremony practice. | Preparation |
| 10 | entering-room | Entering and Exiting | Movements for entering and exiting the tea room. | Movements |
- Tea Ceremony Bowing Etiquette: Explaining the Three Types of Bows and Matcha Preparation Tips article
- Tea Ceremony Training: Basic Etiquette, Movements, and Manners for Beginners article
- Urasenke Tea Ceremony: Correct Ways to Perform Shin, Gyo, and So Bows article
- Tea Ceremony Etiquette (Temae) article